Food

10 Most Effective Natural Antibiotics and How to Use Them

9. Neem Neem has been used by Indians for a number of years because of its benefits. It boasts the immune system, makes the liver to… Simi - November 25, 2017

Bacterial infections are one of the most common reasons why most people consult their doctors. If you have ever had a bacterial infection you know that it’s an extremely nasty infection that can banish you to bed for days. Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms.

Many types of bacteria are helpful and some of them even assist in the digestion of food and give the body some needed vitamins. However, there are others which make up about 1% of different types of bacteria that will make you sick. Some of the infections that are caused by bacteria include urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and meningitis.

The body’s immune system in most cases can kill the bacteria. The body’s white blood cells attack only those harmful bacteria. In cases when the body cannot cope with the infection, antibiotics are required. The usual treatment for bacterial infection is antibiotics. These medicines fight bacterial infections and can be effective when used properly. They either completely destroy the bacteria or stop them from reproducing.

However, overuse of antibiotics has created bacterial infections that are resistant to antibacterial medications. This bacterial resistance is a threat to everyone because it means that you can easily get an infection or spread it. The good news is that there are many foods that are available which work as natural antibiotics. These natural antibiotics will be effective for specific bacterial infections. For the more serious ones such as Tuberculosis, Meningitis and Typhoid you may use the natural antibiotics alongside the prescribed medicines. Here are the top 10 natural antibiotics.

1. Garlic

Garlic which is a member of the onion family has been proven to fight against bacterial infection. It is a common cooking ingredient that has been used for thousands of years. When cloves are chewed, crushed or cut, they release a sulfur compound called allicin. This compound is what gives garlic its characteristic scent and flavor as well as its therapeutic qualities. Allicin has similar qualities like penicillin. It is a powerful antimicrobial that the body does not appear to build up resistance to, as it does with other antibiotics.

Garlic is also known as “broad-spectrum antibacterial” which means that it can fight against many pathogens that attack the body. Apart from working as a natural antibiotic, garlic is also known to protect the heart disease by thinning the blood and lowering the cholesterol level. It is also a rich source of vitamins A and C, B-complex and minerals including selenium, iodine, potassium, iron, calcium, zinc and magnesium.

The functions of garlic are endless including working also as an anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-parasitic, anti-fungal and anti-oxidant. It can help individuals suffering from inflammation, colds and serious infections which are significantly reduced and/or even completely removed from the body.

The best way to take it is by eating cloves of garlic or extracting juice from it. You can eat 2 to 3 cloves per day or crush 1 clove of garlic and add it to your food at least twice a day. If you don’t like the taste then take a garlic capsule. The garlic supplements that are available in capsule form should only be taken after consulting your doctor.

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2. Oregano Oil

Truly valuable Oregano Oil contains a phenol component Thymol which destroys microbes. It is also known that it may be able to destroy some drug-resistant bacteria. A chemical component found in oregano oil called Carvacrol significantly reduces infection. The common oregano that is available includes Origanum Marjoram and Origanum Vulgare. The oil of Oregano is extracted from Origanum Vulgare.

Oregano oil works as anti-microbial, antibacterial, antiparasitic, antiviral and anti-fungal. It can be used both internally and externally when treating wounds, respiratory infections, and digestive problems. In addition to the phenols and flavonoids helping to heal the body, they also boast the immune system. It is used to treat sore throats, upper respiratory infections such as sinus infections. Oregano oil is also extensively used in poultry farms. Most farms use it as a substitute for antibiotics in animals.

When buying oregano oil ensure that it’s truly an oregano plant that has carvacrol concentration of at least 70%. For those using it, the adults can take a glass of water that has up to 8 drops of the oregano oil three times a day. Since it has a strong flavor it is advisable to take it with water.

When treating foot and/or nail infections, you can add a few teaspoons of the oil that should be rubbed with warm water. You need to soak your feet in the mix for a week and it should be done for a few minutes at a time. In cases of sinus infection and upper respiratory infections, pour a few drops of oregano oil in a pot of boiling water and inhale the stream. This should be done until there is no longer any infection.

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3. Honey

It’s amazing that honey has been used as an antibiotic for centuries. Even the Roman Empire realized its healing characteristics earlier and was used to treat wounds and infections during the wars. Today, these qualities have continued to be appreciated and are considered as one of the significant natural antibiotics. Honey is significantly used by many people and works as an anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic.

It has an enzyme called Hydrogen Peroxide that helps your body to fight infection and prevents bacteria growth. Furthermore, it assists in the digestive system, removes toxins from the blood and helps the liver operate efficiently. Raw honey is considered the best quality because pasteurization reduces the effects of the antioxidant.

The honey has a combination of hydrogen peroxide, acidity, effects of osmosis, high levels of sugar concentration and polyphenols. This combination of compounds and processes kills the bacteria in the body. Manuka honey is considered the most effective antibacterial. The honey is taken from the manuka plant which is a shrub. The shrub itself has also many antibacterial characteristics. Manuka honey is used in the treatment of seriously infected wounds.

When using honey for medicinal purposes, mix equal amounts of honey and cinnamon. This should be taken daily. It can also be added to tea and juices. Manika honey can be eaten if you want to treat strep throat and stomach infections. When used topically, it can help fight various infections such as for disinfecting minor cuts, relieve burns and it can also be used for the treatment of acne-prone skin. It is advisable to apply directly to the affected area for three times a day for good results.

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4. Turmeric

Turmeric which is that bright yellow cooking spice is actually an effective natural antibiotic. It has many substances and components such as curcumin which have medicinal characteristics. The plant has been successfully researched and it works just as good as 14 different drugs. These drugs include anti-inflammation, aspirin, sulindac, tamoxifen, celecoxib, and diclofenac. It is used to destroy bacteria that cause diseases and it also promotes the immune system in the body.

It has been proven that turmeric works well against Bacillus cereus, Bacillus coagulans, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Turmeric is a natural antiseptic and antibacterial chemical. It is used in disinfecting minor cuts and burns. When it is combined with cauliflower, it has been proven that it can prevent prostate cancer and even stop the growth of prostate cancer. It has been used to detoxify the body from toxins and is a natural painkiller. Some use it to relieve depression and the Chinese have used it for many years.

Fresh turmeric roots can be bought and mixed with juices, soup, rice, and potatoes. Alternatively, you can get turmeric power which can be mixed with juices and soup. The powder can also be mixed with water to make a paste to treat skin infections, acne, and muscle pains. To add flavor and get extra benefits, mix with honey and apply directly to the affected area.

If you are taking turmeric powder, mix 1 tablespoon of the powder with 5 to 6 tablespoons of honey. This can be stored in a well-closed jar or container and you should be taking 1/2 teaspoon twice daily. But if you don’t prefer the taste of turmeric, then consider taking supplements. The supplements should only be taken after consultation with your doctor.

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5. Echinacea

Echinacea has a long history as it has been used for many years for a variety of infections. It has similar properties like garlic. It is a native plant from North America and is able to stimulate the immune system. This plant which is sometimes called purple coneflower or black-eyed Susan is commonly used as an antibiotic. It was also used traditionally as an antiviral and microbial. The native Americans used it to cure infections and heal wounds. It is nowadays mostly used as an antibiotic.

For decades, it was mostly used to treat bacterial infections such as open wounds, diphtheria, and blood poisoning. It is also being used to treat even colds, flu and some serious bacterial infections. There are nine species of the plant. Its leaves, stems, flowers, and roots are used to make liquid extracts, teas, and supplements. It’s used to fight against various bacteria including bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes which causes sore throats and Hemophilus influenza which causes ear and sinus infections.

Although Echinacea has similar characteristics like garlic, it is normally used when the first signs of bacterial infection appear. infection come out. It is advised that it should not be used for more than 10 days. It works well with any bacterial infection such as sinus infections and upper respiratory infections. It can also be used to treat open wounds and bacterial infections affecting the skin. You can find it in liquid and capsule form.

When using it in a cream or ointment form, it can be used to disinfect and treat eczema. Apply it a few times a day. In order to prevent bacterial infections, you can drink a day 1 to 2 cups of echinacea tea. Consult your doctor if you want to take in echinacea supplements.

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6. Olive Leaf Extract

Olive leaves have been known to have resisted bacterial infection for many years. They contain ingredients such as oleuropein which is capable of destroying pathogenic bacteria. Oleuropein is concentrated in the leaves and that’s where you can get most of the extracts. It’s mostly used in the Middle East to treat sore throat, coughs, fevers, high blood pressure, blood infection, gout and boosts immunity. Furthermore, it’s also used to reduce the effects of colds and flu.

Olive leaves are safe to use and can be kept and used for some time in the future. The leaves have immune boosting, anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties. The leaf’s ability to destroy both bacteria and fungi makes it an effective antibiotic. Olive leaves destroy more than 50 harmful microorganisms.

Some of the bacteria that olive oil extracts destroy include Candida albicans, E Coli, Campylobacter jejuni, Helicobacter pylori and Staphylococcus aureus. It is a good natural antibiotic for sore throat, ear infections, upper respiratory infections, gout, stomach ulcers, viral infections and bladder infections. In sinus infections, olive oil extract is able to kill the bacteria that could not be killed by medication. This prevents recurring attacks of sinusitis.

It can be extracted from the leaves. The leaves can be cut into small pieces and placed in a well-closed container. You can add preservatives by ensuring that all the leaves are well covered in it. Let the olive leaves stay in the container for 5 to 6 weeks. Then use a strainer to extract the liquid into another container or jar. The extract will now be ready for use. You can also take olive leaf extract supplements but consult your doctor before taking the supplement.

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7. Goldenseal

Goldenseal is one of the most powerful natural antibiotics and is popular in the United States. It originally comes from the Northwest United States. It is a sprawling plant that has palm-shaped leaves. It is an antibiotic that is commonly used to treat sore throats and diarrhea. It has natural antibiotic properties that are suitable for treatment of both internal and external bacterial infections.

There is a compound in Goldenseal named berberine that assists to kill various bacterial infections. Furthermore, berberine also helps to boost the white blood cells enabling them to fight and resist infection. It is known that in the early days it was used to treat cancer, mouth infections and stomach problems. It is now being used for the treatment of various infections including reducing colds, flu, pneumonia, skin infections, eye infections, bladder infections and respiratory infections.

It is also said to increase the strength of other natural medicines when taken together. It is commonly used together with echinacea which is associated with strengthening the immune system. Berberine is also an antioxidant. This chemical also helps in lowering cholesterol and helps in gastrointestinal infections and digestive problems. It destroys the bacteria called E. coli that cause urinary tract infections and diarrhea. It is also used to treat skin infections and has anti-fungal properties.

The root of this plant is dried and powdered. It also comes in capsules, creams, and topical preparations to treat skin infections. You can apply it directly to the affected area when treating skin infections. For a sore throat, you can take a few drops and when taken in powder form take a 1/2 tablespoon with a pinch of salt 3 times a day. It is advisable not to take it for more than 2 weeks.

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8. Ginger

Ginger is packed with amazing components that not only fight against bacteria but also other pathogens. Surprisingly, it is the most used dietary spice nowadays. It comes from the same family of plants as turmeric and cardamom. It is an underground stem that grows horizontally and its leaves and stems sprout on top. The Indians and Chinese have normally used ginger tonics to treat infections for many years.

This is the reason it was a sought-after commodity during the old days when commodity trading was a way of doing business. It has gingerols which are known to fight against at least several pathogens that reside in the mouth. Gingerols are oily resin from ginger that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger treats heartburn, cough, sore throat, sinus infections, stomach problems such as ulcers and colitis. It’s also suggested that it can kill cancer cells.

The stomach problems which ginger can heal include motion sickness, morning sickness, colic, upset stomach, diarrhea, and nausea. It can also be used as natural pain relief from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, respiratory problems, cough, bronchitis and chest pain.

Fresh ginger root can be added to any food including green juice and the food which you are cooking. You can also use ginger powder which can be mixed with water by adding only 1 tablespoon. Ginger can be taken as a tea and it is a better way to treat bacterial infections. When making the tea ensure that you take 1 inch of fresh ginger and boil it in 1 1/2 cups of water for about 20 minutes. Then strain the mixture, add honey and lemon juice to improve the flavor. Note that honey is also another natural antibiotic. You can also add fresh ginger when cooking your food. If you want to take capsules it is advisable to consult your doctor.

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9. Neem

Neem has been used by Indians for a number of years because of its benefits. It boasts the immune system, makes the liver to function effectively, detoxifies the blood, promotes effective circulation of blood and improves the digestive system. It is used to treat various infections including being used as antibacterial, antiviral, antiseptic, anti-fungal and spermicidal where it’s used as birth control.

The tree of neem is used for making natural medicines. Almost all the parts of the tree have medicinal use. For instance, the leaves are used to treat various ailments including leprosy, eye infections, stomach upset, ulcers and diabetes. The bark is used for malaria treatment, skin diseases, stomach and intestinal ulcers. The flower is used to treat intestinal worms and the fruit for treatment of urinary tract infections.

It’s also known as a treatment for malaria and diabetes. Today, it is recognized because of its antiseptic properties. It’s proved that it helps in skin infections, septic sores, and infected burns. The leaves are also used to treat boils, ulcers, and eczema. The oil is used for treating skin infections such as scrofula and indolent ulcers. As an antibacterial, it is known to suppress various bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus which is the major cause of food poisoning and salmonella typhosa which causes typhoid.

Furthermore, it is suitable for use to prevent oral infections that are associated with cavities, gingivitis and other gum diseases. This is due to the fact that it has very strong antibacterial properties. There are many neem products that are targeted to those who want to use it. For skin infections, you can use cosmetics and skin care products that have neem to prevent skin infections. You can also take neem tablets to assist in removing toxins in the body and other parasites. However, you need to consult your doctor before using the tablets.

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10. Grapefruit Seed Extract

Grapefruits have many benefits including weight loss, cellulite reduction and boasts the immune system. Many people usually throw away grapefruit seeds but these seeds have additional benefits to the body. The seed has a compound, polyphenols called limonoids and naringenin that help to fight infections.

The grapefruit seed extract has an incredible set of other benefits such as being antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal. It is also used as a treatment for candidiasis, earaches, throat infections and diarrhea. Grapefruit seed extract fights against fungal infection such as candida and histoplasmosis. It also works as an antibiotic and helps in the treatment of urinary tract infections. It relieves athlete’s foot and nail fungus and treats digestive infections caused by eczema.

The seed extract can be made by mixing grapefruit seeds and pulp into a highly acidic liquid. During the addition processing, the mixture changes to yellow, thick liquid that has a bitter taste. You can add vegetable glycerin to reduce the bitterness and acidity. If this process looks complicated, you can eat the whole grape by taking in the seeds, pulp, and white membranes. Fresh grapefruit juice, seeds, and membranes contain better benefits.

For those with skin infections, add a few drops of grapefruit seed extract to 1 tablespoon of water. Apply this to the affected area. There is no need to rinse it. The extract can also be used as a skin cleanser and acne treatment by pouring 2 to 3 drops of the extract into your hands. Massage your moistened face with it and then rinse it off. When taking it internally, mix 10 to 15 drops of the extract in 1/2 glass of water and drink the mixture for 2 to 3 times a day.

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